AUSTIN, TX- The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) announces new additions to its ever-growing online collections available through its TexShare and TexQuest electronic resource programs. In response to growing interest in focused learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) the agency has supplemented the latest resources from the leading names in online educational resources, all of which will be available on June 15, 2016. Resources include:

This April, Texans celebrate 20 years of Día de los Niño’s, Día de los Libros (Children’s Day, Book Day): a celebration of children, culture and literature. Texas Center for the Book coined the term Lone Star Día for Texas and encouraged statewide participation. Nationally, libraries, schools, churches and organizations are encouraged to discover “bookjoy” year-round and most events occur around Día’s birthday on April 30th.

Ten students have won the Texas portion of the 2016 Letters About Literature Competition, sponsored in part by the Texas Center for the Book. This national reading and writing program, initiated by the Library of Congress, gives 4th-12th graders a chance to write to an author (living or deceased) about how his or her book has affected their lives. Nationally, close to 50,000 students wrote letters and since 1997 more than a million students have participated.

The Texas Center for the Book and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, will partner with Little Free Library founder, Todd H. Bol, to distribute more than 50 little free libraries across the Lone Star State. The national nonprofit tours Texas from March 2-15, 2016 to promote a love of reading and community through free book exchanges with building workshops in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Plano.

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) announces the launch of the Texas Digital Archive (TDA), a searchable online repository designed to manage, preserve, and provide access to the electronic records collections held at the Texas State Archives. Virtual visitors are invited to explore our shared heritage through digitized prints, photographs, documents and manuscripts made available through a $706,593 appropriation for the 2016-2017 biennium from the 84th legislative session.

Join the Texas Center for the Book and Children’s Author Pat Mora at a special performance of Tomás and the Library Lady Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. at ZACH Theatre to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Día – Children’s Day, Book Day. After the performance, attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book, hear the author speak on literacy and enjoy refreshments.

The deadline for the Letters About Literature reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12 is January 11, 2016. Entries for the nationwide literary competition, sponsored by the Texas Center for the Book, must be postmarked by January 11, 2016. Letters about Literature encourages young readers to read a book, poem or speech and write to the author (living or dead) to share how the book has affected them personally.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is pleased to announce the redesign of our agency website, www.tsl.texas.gov. After months of careful consideration, research, design and implementation, TSLAC launched the updated website in order to provide an improved user experience to online patrons looking to access the informational services provided by our agency.